Ashraf Habibullah Revives Memories of Karachi, Aftab Rizvi’s Thought-Provoking Speech and Amanat Ali’s Voice Steal the Show!
An Evening of Countless Memories, Friendship and the Message of Success
Report: Mehboob Ali Shaikh
The 19th Annual Gala Dinner organized by NED Alumni Canada (NEDAC) in Mississauga, Canada, turned into a grand, memorable and prestigious event, attracting more than 500 attendees. The event was attended by distinguished graduates of Pakistan’s renowned NED University of Engineering and Technology, prominent engineers, writers, authors, business leaders, senior education officials, leading members of the Pakistani community and other respected guests.
The event was not merely an annual dinner; it was a vibrant reflection of friendship, knowledge, professional achievements, networking and a deep-rooted connection with one’s alma mater. During the evening, speakers emphasized the importance of education, mentoring the younger generation, the support of friends, community service, and strengthening educational and professional ties between Pakistan and Canada.
One of the most prominent highlights of the event was the captivating and powerful stage presence of Ashraf Habibullah, the world-renowned structural engineer, distinguished entrepreneur, and Founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Computers & Structures, Inc. (CSI). Through his engaging conversation, cheerful personality and spontaneous style of delivery, he captivated the attention of more than 500 attendees.
During his address, Ashraf Habibullah revived cherished memories associated with NED University and Karachi, transporting the audience back to the beautiful days of the past. His remarks reflected memories of student life, the affection of friends, shared struggles and the journey toward achieving success in life.
He highlighted that success in life is not merely the result of individual abilities and hard work; the support of good friends, sincere colleagues, teachers and mentors also plays a significant role in personal and professional growth. His engaging style not only entertained the audience but also reminded attendees of their university days, old friends and the unforgettable moments that laid the foundation for their personalities and achievements.
Ashraf Habibullah’s words demonstrated that the true beauty of success grows even greater when people remember their friends, teachers and alma mater alongside their achievements. His personality and conversation transformed the gathering into a warm and lively evening filled with memories, laughter and mutual affection.
Another important and memorable moment of the event was the speech delivered by Aftab Rizvi, a renowned writer, author, engineer and motivational speaker, who impressed the audience with his thought-provoking remarks, powerful delivery and insights drawn from his life experiences.
Aftab Rizvi’s speech held the attention of the attendees throughout his address. His remarks highlighted the importance of knowledge, experience, human relationships, determination to move forward in life and positive thinking. His delivery encouraged the audience to listen attentively, creating a thoughtful, intellectual and reflective atmosphere at the event.
He emphasized that education does not merely provide a degree; it also develops the ability to think critically, understand problems, make better decisions and play a positive role in society. His address conveyed the message that the true purpose of success is not to remain confined to personal achievements but to use one’s knowledge and experience to make life easier and better for others.
The participation of Mr. Khalil Bajwa, Consul General of Pakistan in Toronto, further enhanced the significance of the event. Among the prominent personalities present on the occasion were Professor Dr. Muhammad Tufail, Vice Chancellor of NED University, and Dr. Sarosh Lodi, Chairman of the Charter Inspection and Evaluation Committee (CIEC) of the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC).
Zubair Mati, President of NED Alumni Canada, and Malik Ghulam Hussain, former President of NEDAC, also attended the event, along with other distinguished guests.
Other notable attendees included Saleem Chaudhry, Faisal Moledina, Altamash Janjua, Imran Ahmed, Nazil Khan, Ahmer Farooqi, Malik Mushtaq, Adnan, and Samir Dossal, President of the Canadian Pakistani Business Council (CPBC), along with several other personalities.
The participation of individuals from diverse professional backgrounds transformed the event into an important gathering focused on education, engineering, business, social networking and community development. Attendees met one another, exchanged experiences and discussed opportunities for future collaboration.
The annual gala dinner organized by NED Alumni Canada serves as a platform for Pakistani professionals living abroad to maintain their connection with their alma mater, reunite with former colleagues and create opportunities to guide and mentor the younger generation.
The academic and professional traditions of NED University, along with the achievements of its graduates, also held special significance during the event. For attendees, the gathering served as a reminder that education, hard work, mutual cooperation and strong relationships play an important role in helping individuals reach new heights of success.
The speakers’ views highlighted the message that successful Pakistanis living abroad should continue contributing to youth mentorship and community development through their abilities, experiences and resources.
The evening concluded on a high note with a spectacular musical performance by renowned Pakistani singer Amanat Ali, whose outstanding performance added further glamour to the gathering. His melodious voice and captivating singing entertained the audience and made the atmosphere even more enjoyable.
Amanat Ali’s performance became one of the most memorable highlights of the event, as attendees enjoyed the music and made lasting memories of the wonderful evening. The combination of intellectual discussions, nostalgic recollections, reunions with old friends and music offered the audience a unique and memorable experience.
NED Alumni Canada’s 19th Annual Gala Dinner proved to be a successful gathering by bringing together Pakistani personalities from diverse fields and highlighting the values of knowledge, friendship, professional achievement and commitment to the community.
Ashraf Habibullah’s engaging conversation, Aftab Rizvi’s thought-provoking speech, the participation of distinguished educational and community leaders, and Amanat Ali’s outstanding musical performance made the evening truly unforgettable.
The attendance of more than 500 people highlighted the interest in the gathering and the importance of networking and meaningful connections.
The overall message of the event was clear: Education gives people an identity, hard work leads them toward success, but sincere friends, dedicated teachers and a strong connection with the community make that success meaningful and unforgettable.
